JB says to continue maize distribution

Malawi President Joyce Banda on Sunday reiterated that she will continue distributing maize and flour to needy people in the country.

The President was speaking at a news conference at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on arrival from Uganda, where she attended a two-day 16th Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) Heads of State and Government Summit.

The President’s trips to distribute relief items have recently attracted criticism from some quarters, arguing they are costing government a lot of money.

“People should realise that a big section of Malawians in the country have no food. As Head of State, I have the responsibility to assist them. So far, we have distributed maize to 40 centres in the country.

“The flour and maize that I am distributing is mine. And I appeal to people who have enough food in their homes to share with the needy. As Head of State, this opportunity enables me to meet the electorate. I cannot stay without meeting people who voted for me,” she said.

The President, however, said a lot of the distribution work is being done by some members of People’s Party (PP) and her Cabinet.—Mana